India says 10 wounded by Pakistan gunfire

SRINAGAR, India: At least 10 civilians have been wounded as Pakistani troops fired guns and mortar shells at more than a dozen Indian border posts overnight in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, an official said Friday.

A paramilitary officer said on the customary condition of anonymity that Indian guards retaliated and an exchange of gunfire lasted several hours. He said the fighting continued till Friday morning at some places in southern Jammu region.

The wounded included four children in three villages, said local civil administrator Shantmanu, who uses only one name.

There was no immediate comment by the Pakistani government.

India on Wednesday accused Pakistani troops of firing on at least 50 Indian border posts, calling it the most serious violation of a 2003 cease-fire accord.

However, Pakistan said Indian troops targeted 27 Pakistani posts near Sialkot with machine guns and mortar shells.